Fluoridated drinking water is now being supplied to Bunbury, providing significant dental benefits for the local community.
This completes the process of water fluoridation in the greater Bunbury area, following the introduction of fluoridated water in Dalyellup in 2022 and Australind, Eaton, and Brunswick Junction in 2020.
Water fluoridation is a safe, effective, and research-supported method to reduce tooth decay and promote oral health across all age groups, particularly children.
WA’s acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Paul Armstrong, said fluoride at the optimum level would combat tooth decay and improve overall health of communities.
“Poor oral health can affect an individual in many ways, including detrimental impacts on the ability to sleep, eat and speak,” he said.
“The introduction of water fluoridation in Bunbury marks a significant step forward in our efforts to improve oral health for everyone in the community.”
Around 94 per cent of the WA population now have access to optimally fluoridated drinking water.
Fluoridating community water supplies is a key element of the National Oral Health Plan and is supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the WA branch of the Australian Dental Association and local dental practices in the South West region.
A 2016 Department of Health study found that children living in non-fluoridated areas of South West WA were more likely to have poor dental health than those living in the fluoridated Perth metropolitan area.
Community members can visit the Department of Health website for further information on fluoridation or contact the Department of Health by email – ehinfo@health.wa.gov.au
As with similar plants located throughout Western Australia, the Department of Health will monitor the performance of the water treatment plants to ensure compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1966.
(ENDS)
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